A Yorkville maisonette that melds townhouse living with condo perks

This condo, though in a 19-story building on East End Avenue, feels more like a townhouse, thanks to a duplex layout and, because it's a maisonette, its own private entrance—the plus side of being on the ground floor. But since it's part of a condo, the new owners will have access to all the building's amenities, including a fitness center, Pilates studio, screening room, courtyard, and 24-hour staff service. 

For the best of both worlds, though, you'll have to pay up: Listed at $7.75 million by Compass, the apartment is pricey for the area. You're paying, too, for views of nearby picturesque Carl Schurz Park and Gracie Mansion. 

You'll come in through the street entrance to a formal gallery, whose zebrawood walls make a striking first impression. Though first-floor apartments often get less light than units higher up, the living room here is bright and airy thanks to 12-foot ceilings and tall, east-facing windows. An Art Deco-style staircase with a nickel balustrade leads to the second floor and, across the foyer, you'll find a dining room with views of the park. 

Next to the dining room is a modern kitchen, with sleek white and lacquered wood finishes that veer from the usual—aka sometimes boring—finishes found in plenty of condo projects, and that contrast with the marble floors. You'll find new, upmarket appliances, including a dishwaser, two ovens, and a large range. The space leads into a cheerful breakfast room that includes a custom banquette and blonde oak flooring.

The stairs open onto a central sitting area, off of which are the three bedrooms, each with its own bath. 

The master is a corner room, and includes oak paneling, a large walk-in closet, and en-suite bath with marble tile, double sinks, a walk-in shower, and separate tub. 

An interesting feature of the master bedroom is a hidden panel that opens into the second bedroom, an arrangement that may be ideal for parents who need to keep an eye on young children. The third bedroom is afforded more privacy, and all three rooms have park views.